Building structure



Nov. 13, 1962 D. L. RICHTER 3,

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Feb; 20. 1959 v Sheets-Sheet s g Y a 9 i 4 J 25 INVENTOR.

43 DONALD L. RICHTER A TTORNE Y D. L. RICHTER BUILDING STRUCTURE Nov. 13, 1962 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 20. 1959 INVENTOR. DONALD L. RICHTER 0 ATTORN Y Nov. 13, 1962 D. RICHTER 3,063,519

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 20. 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Donald L. Richter ATTORNEY Nov. 13, 1962 D. RICHTER 3,063,519

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 20, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Donald L.Rich1er Nov. 13, 1962 D. L. RICHTER BUILDING STRUCTURE 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 20, 1959 INVENTOR. DONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,063,519 BUILDING STRUCTURE Donald L. Richter, Mount Prospect, 11]., assignor to Kaiser Aluminum 8: Chemical Corporation, ()aldand, Calif,

a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 20, 1959, Ser. No. 794,564 15 Claims. (l..189--1) This invention relates to building structures. More particularly, this invention relates to improvements in the building structures disclosed in my present copending application Serial No. 676,223, filed August 5, 1957, said application Serial No. 676,223 also being a continuationin-part of my prior application Serial No. 632,893, filed January 7, 1957 (now abandoned). The present application also constitutes a continuation is part of patent application Serial No. 676,223, filed August 5, 1957.

One particular environment in which the teachings of the instant invention are applicable is where geodesic dome-like structures of unusually large size are erected.

It is a primary purpose of the instant invention to employ or integrate in a unique fashion with various building structures, such as those shown in my copending application, a combination reinforcing truss-like framework and scaffolding. This combination framework and scaffolding serves a dual function. It acts, first, as a scaffolding frame to which sub-assemblies of the tetrahedronal structural shapes or panel units disclosed in my copending application can be affixed thereby aiding materially in facilitating the assembly of structures fabricated from such shapes. Secondly, it acts as a unique reinforcing framework in structures fabricated from these shapes.

Other purposes and advantages of the instant invention will become more apparent from a review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic elevational view with parts removed of one form of building structure constructed in accordance with the instant invention wherein the trusstype framework is disposed on the outside of the shell-like portion of the structure;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary top planview of a portion of the building structure shown in FIGURE 1 and discloses in more detail the relationship of the various frame members and panel units making up the same;

FIGURE 2a is an exploded perspective view of a basic structural unit which would be used in forming the shelllike portion of the structure shown in FIGURE 1 together with the basic components needed for securing the unit to similar units during the assembly of a building structure;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective and partially schematic view of the lower portion of the spherical domelike building disclosed in FIGURE 1 and shows in more detail the arrangement for anchoring the inner shell-like structure to the ground and with the outer dome-like reinforcing framework superposed thereon and secured thereto;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 1 and shows in some detail one suitable arrangement for securing the outer trusslike framework to the inner shell-like portion of the structure;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a suitable type of fitting or accessory for use in securing the individual frame members making up the outer truss-like framework to each other;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a schematic elevational view, with parts removed for the sake of clarity, of a modified type of Patented Nov. I3, 1952 building structure wherein the shell-like portion of the structure is disposed on the outside of and is connected to an inner truss-like framework;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary and partially diagrammatic view of the inside of the building structure shown in FIG- URE 7 and discloses the manner in which the inner trusslike framework is secured to the individual shapes making up the shell-like portion of the building structure;

FIGURE 9 is a partial plan view of one suitable joint arrangement that may be used in securing the principal components of the inner truss-like framework of FIG- URES 7 and 8 to each other;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken along line ill-Ii) of FIGURE 9, with parts removed for the sake of clarity; and

FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of one suitable type of joint arrangement that may be used to secure the components making up the inner truss-like frame of FIG- URES 7-9 to the components making up the outer shelllike structure.

With further reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGURES 1, 2 and 4, it will be observed that one advantageous embodiment of the instant invention generally contemplates the use of an outer combination reinforcing framework and scaffolding- 1 in spherical buildings constructed in accordance with the teachings of my copending application Serial No. 676,223, filed August 5, 1957. This scaffolding comprises a first series of individual frame elements 2 and a second series of individual frame elements 3. Frame elements 2 and 3 may both be hollow tubes. In the case of spherical buildings, frame elements 2 are generally located in the same spherical plane and form regular polygons such as the hexagons disclosed in the drawings. Frame elements 3 project in a coverging fashion inwardly of frame elements 2. Frame elements 2 and 3 are secured to each other by any suitable means such as, for example, by means of the ball-like elements orfittings 4 disclosed in FIGURES 4-6. Each ball-like element 4 may be a casting formed so as to be provided with a plurality of sockets 5 of which six are shown. Three of these sockets receive the frame elements 2 and the other three sockets receive the frame members 3 which project inwardly and in an inclined converging fashion from the ball like elements or fittings 4. The sockets are provided with elongated openings 6 in the side walls thereof. When similar openings 6 in the ends of frame elements 2 and 3 are aligned with openings 6 as the ends of the frame elements are disposed in the fittings 4 and bolts 5 are inserted through these aligned openings, the frame members 2 and 3 will be permanently anchored to the fittings 4 and to each other. After this outer framework comprised of these elements 2 and 3 is erected and put in place, it forms both an outer truss-like framework of involute configuration as well as a suitable scaffold-ing for use in emplacing the tetrahedronal-like structurals disclosed inmy copending application and making up the interior dome-like shell structure.

As indicated particularly in FIGURE 2a, the individual tetrahedronal-type building blocks or units 7 used for the inner dome structure or dome-like shell are generally comprised of a shape or panel 7' preferably diamond shaped in plan view and having a major axis MM and a minor axis NN. These panels are also preferably made of aluminum of a suitable gauge and alloy. In most instances'after forming, the major axis or the center long diagonal of the panel will also be slightly cambered upwardly from the true horizontal plane or plane of rest H. Major axis MM also lies in a generally true vertical plane V. The minor axis NN of the finished panel is slightly above the horizontal plane H but is normal with respect to the axis MM and hence normal with respect to the vertical plane V. The basic shape or panel 7 therefor includes corners or vertices 8, 9, 1t and 11, corners 8 and 9 lying along major axis MM and corners 10 and 11 lying along the minor axis NN. Thus, it may be seen that since the corners 10 and 11 lie along the same line or minor axis and since the major axis MM lies along the intersection of the planes H and V, the panel is bowed r forms a curve passing from corner -10, through the axis MM, and thence to the corner 11. The corners 10 and 11 are'in turn connected to a suitably shaped strut member 12 which lies along and generally coincides with the minor axis NN. This strut is also generally parallel to but vertically spaced from the plane H and is normal to the plane V.

The strut 12 is secured to the panel or shape 7' at the corners 10 and 11 by means of apertured flanges 13 through which suitable bolts or rivets are passed, the same bolts or rivets also being passed through the openlugs 14 in a panel 7. The panel may also be advantageously provided with reinforcing creases such as creases 12 and 13 which may emanate from corners 8 and 9.

The edges of the unit are also advantageously provided with downturned stiffening or reinforcing flanges 15, 15', 16 and 16'. The flanged edges of each of the panels as well as the struts and the long central diagonal of the panel advantageously act as the frame elements of a threedimensional truss structure formed by an assemblage of the structural units, all as indicated more fully in my prior copending application. The corners 8, 9, 10 and 11 may also be rounded or squared 01f for facility in assembling a plurality of units together.

When a plurality of units 7 comprised of a panel 7' and strut 12 have been assembled, they form a series of building blocks or modules. Each unit in effect serves as a three-dimensional beam section. They are also so arranged with respect to each other that the strut members 12 form a regular polygon such as a hexagon. The units are usually joined together at several common points, all as shown more particularly in FIGURES 2 and 3. These units are joined along their long diagonals or axes MM and at the vertex points A on the shell-like structure by means of wheel-like elements or rosette-like gussets 20. Adjacent units are joined together along their short diagonals by means of the clusters 24 of hub-like clamp elements 25, 26 and 27. Each wheel-like element 20 may comprise an aluminum casting provided with a central hub or web portion 40 from which a plurality of perforate and reinforced spoke-like members 42 radiate in the manner of a wheel. The center of the hub 40 may also be provided with a central opening 43. A combination diamond shaped sheet and strut is anchored at one of its corners 9 or 8 to a rosette or rosette-like gusset 20 by having the corner of the unit and the flanges 15 and 16' or 15 and 16 overlap one of the spoke-like elements 42 of the rosette-like gusset 20, as indicated for example in FIGURE 4. The structural shapes 7' are also secured to each other at their flanged portions 15, 15', 16 and 16' by means of bolts or rivets thrust through the openings 44 in these flanges. To any basic pattern of six structural units, there may be added additional series of structural elements 7 so arranged that the struts 12 are connected to the six vertex points B of the basic hexagon-like frame and radiate outwardly from these points.

As noted above, the means for securing the adjacent structural units at the corners 1t) and 11 comprise a cluster 24 of hub elements or clamps 25, 26 and 27. These may be made in the form of aluminum castings and each clamp is securable to a separate panel 7' adjacent the corner 11 or 10 thereof on the short diagonal of the unit 7. Ordinarily the short diagonal corners of the three panels 7' will converge at the vertex points B because of the geometric patern formed by the units 7. Thus, only three hub clamps need be used and these clamps are provided with suitable perforations or openings whereby when bolts are thrust therethrough as well as through openings 14 in the corners 10 or 11 of the several units,

the units will also be held together. The manner of connecting the various units 7 together along with their struts and the short diagonals thereof by means of the clusters 24 of hub elements is such that the struts on adjacent units are also interconnected with each other whereby the struts on the various panels advantageously transfer loads from one to another. It is also of interest to note in connection with the vertices B or points where the corners of the short diagonals of the structurals 7 converge that they form the apices of a plurality of pyramidal type units when the long diagonal of each unit is considered as a frame member in the over-all framework of the inner shell-like structure and with the long diagonal of each unit serving as a base line for a pyramid. The strut 12 serves to connect the apices of the pyramidal type units together.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that after a hexagon-like frame has been formed, as indicated above, by means of twelve separate units comprised of panels 7 and struts 12, this sub-assembly of units will then be hoisted into place by means of a crane and secured to the outer framework 1, as indicated particularly in FIGURES 1 and 4. The anchoring means for accomplishing this may include a second rosette-type element 30 which is of similar configuration to rosettetype element 20. It is provided with a central opening 3% and perforated spoke-like elements 31 which radiate outwardly from the central portion 32 and are aligned with the spoke-like elements 42 of rosette 20. When opening '30 of element 30 and opening 43 of rosette 20 are aligned and bolt means 32 inserted in these openings, elements 20 and 30 as well as units 7 and the outer frame 1 will be secured together. The several converging tube-like members 3 are individually secured to a separate spoke-like element 31 by means of bolts 34 disposed in openings 34'. The openings 34' in the spoke-like elements 31 may be somewhat elongated if desired to provide for tolerances and expansion and contraction of the elements in the structural framework. Thus the tube-like frame members 3 in each group of frame members in the outer truss-like framework can be considered as converging in- Wardly of this outer framework 1 in an involute fashion. Their point of convergence also preferably coincides with the points of convergence of certain of the long diagonals of the groups of diamond shaped structural units or at alternate vertex points A on the shell-like structure formed by the units 7. After the first sub-assembly of structural units has been secured to the outer framework, successive sub-assemblies of the units are fastened in place until the entire inner shell-like structure is formed.

The unique building structures provided with this outer framework 1 have a geometrically patterned outer spiderlike frame work comprised of the tubular members 2 and 3 connected to an inner surface or inner covering of undulating and marginally joined diamond shaped sheets. The geometric pattern of the over-all structure is generally a series of reoccurring polygons such as hexagons with the hexagons of the inner sphere formed by units 7 having superposed thereon the hexagons of the outer frame work 1. The components or frame members 2 and 3 also define a three-dimensional space truss structure superposed and connected to an inner three-dimensional space truss. The completed structure thus can be considered as two fully integrated or interconnected three-dimensional space trusses so disposed with respect to each other that loads will be efficiently transferred from one to the other at alternate vertex points A, where the various groups of frame elements 3 and the sub-assemblies of tetrahedronal structural units 7 have common convergence points.

In the case of where the structure formed by the instant invention is a spherical structure. it will also be noted that the various frame elements 2 and 3 as well as the marginal edges, strut and long diagonal of the several panels 7' are also advantageously located along great s,oes,519

circle arcs thereby utilizing in full the geometry as taught in Fuller Patent 2,682,235, issued June 29, 1954.

In those instances where it is desirable to leave some open area adjacent the bottom perimeter of the inner shell-like structure formed by the tetrahedronal-like structural units, an arrangement is also provided for supporting and anchoring the sphere to the ground. This arrangement is generally shown in FIGURE 3. In this event the bottom extremities of a plurality of units 7 may be directly anchored to the ground piers 46. The main suport columns 47 for the inner shell-like structure are also connected to the piers and to the inner sphere at the vertex or reaction points A. The anchoring piers 46 and support columns 47 are arranged in perimetric groups to conform with the general curvature of the sphere and the geometric arrangement of the panel units 7. In each of these perimetric groups the centermost diamond shaped sheet 7' and column 47 are generally located in only one inclined plane to the vertical. The diamond shaped sheets 7' on either side thereof as well as the columns 47 connected thereto, since they are radially disposed with respect to these centermost sheets and columns, are usually inclined in two planes. Since the particular manner in which the columns 47 are secured to the innermost sphere is more fully disclosed and described in my copending application, it is not believed that any detailed discussion of the same is required except to say that bolt means 32' used to secure the outer framework 1 to the inner sphere at these lower peripheral vertex points A should be large enough to accommodate rosettes and and the apertured sleeve or fitting 50 amxed to the support columns 47. In this way the portion of the outer framework 1 secured to the lower perimetric groups of tetrahedronal structural units can be properly affixed to these units at the lower perimetric vertex points A.

The outermost frame 1 may be secured or anchored to ground posts 46 in such a way, as indicated in FIGURES 3 and 4, that it will be generally comprised of a series of full regular hexagons bounded by partial hexagons each of which will normally have three sides common to a full geometric figure or hexagon. Suitable means (not shown) would also be used to secure the converging ends of the tube-like elements 2 and 3 disposed at the lowermost portion of the outer framework 1 to each other and to ground anchoring elements or posts 46.

In the modified structure disclosed in FIGURES 7-1 it is contemplated that the shell-like structure 60 comprised of tetrahedronal-like structurals 7 would be disposed on the outside of the building while the combination reinforcing truss-like framework and scaffolding 61 is disposed on the inside of the building.

In the case of this modified structure, the inner trusslike framework 61 is generally comprised of a plurality of base units or frame elements 62, which are arranged in the form of a polygon such as a hexagon and perform a similar function to elements 2 in the outer framework 1 of FIGURES 1-6, and frame elements 63, which perform a similar function to elements 3 of the outer framework 1. Frame elements 63 are also inclined outwardly of the generally common spherical plane in which the base elements 62 lie in the case of the structure shown in FIG- URES 7-11. Frame elements 63 converge toward one another and the outer shell-like structure 60 at alternate vertex points A in the outer shell-like structure. From the above description it will be readily apparent that framework 61 can be considered merely the reverse of framework 1.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each base unit 62 is made in the form of a pair of spaced, parallel tube-like members 64.

As indicated particularly in FIGURE 9, the extremities of each of the tubes 64 in a base unit 62 are secured to each other, to tubes 64 in adjacent units 62 and to members 63 by socket assemblies 65. In the structure as shown, each socket assembly comprises six socket members 66, two socket members being used for each of the base units 62 or one for each tube 64. Each socket member 66 is somewhat L-shaped in plan being comprised of a foot 67 and a leg element 68. The foot 67 is milled out to form a pair of openings 69 and an anchoring base 70 provided with openings 71. The leg element 68 of each socket member 66 is milled out to provide a socket opening 72 and a socket recess 73 for a tube 64. Socket opening 72 has both an arcuate and tapered configuration so as to allow for adjustment of a tube 64 in the socket member. After an individual tube 64 has been properly disposed with respect to its associated socket member 66 on a suitable jig assembly, it is permanently afiixed thereto by welding or bolting. When two tubes 64 and their associated socket members 66 are disposed in parallel relationship, the bases 71 on the feet 67 of each socket member will rest on each other with their openings 71 being in alignment. Bolts 75 are then thrust through the aligned openings 71 and when these bolts 75 are secured they will hold a pair of tubes 64 in position adjacent each other. After a pair of tubes 64 are disposed in parallel relationship, cross bracing members 76 are welded to one side of the tubes to form individual rungs of a scaling ladder. Thus, each base unit 62 will form a walkway between adjacent socket assemblies 65. It will also be observed by referring to FIGURES 9 and 10 that the forward parts of the feet 67 of each socket member 66 are rounded off as at 77 whereby when six members are arranged on a jig or fixture the feet 67 of the several socket members 66 can be readily adjusted with respect to each other at the point C. After the socket members 66 and base units 62 are adjusted at a predetermined angle with respect to each other, they are welded together at the point C where the rounded portions 77 of these members converge.

One arrangement in which the individually inclined members 6-3, making up the rest of the inner truss-like framework 61, are secured to the socket assemblies 65 will now be described. The innermost ends of members 63 are provided with a cap 78 welded thereto which has a curved sleeve or shoe 79 disposed thereon. The shoe 79 fits over the correspondingly curved extremity 80 of legs 68 of two socket members 66 disposed on two different base or frame elements 62. After each frame element 63 has been adjusted on the curved extremities 80 of the socket members 66, whereby it will be located at the proper angles with respect both to the base or frame elements 62 and the structurals 7 making up the shell-like portion of the structure, all the frame elements 63 are permanently welded to the socket members 66 associated therewith.

After the inner truss-like framework 61 made up of members 62 and 63 has been erected and anchored to the ground by suitable means (not shown), the outer shelllike structure made up of structurals 7 is secured in place. Prior to emplacing units 7, the frame elements 63 are secured together at their points of convergence, which in turn will coincide with alternate convergence points A on the outer shell-like structure made up of panels 7' and struts 12 in the manner indicated in FIGURES 8 and 11.

Any suitable means may be employedfor securing elements 63 together. As indicated in FIGURE 11, these means may include a somewhat cup shaped annulus 82 provided with a central web 83 having a downwardly and outwardly inclined wall 84 which converges with an inwardly and downwardly inclined outer wall 85. The frame members 63 are welded directly to the outer wall 85 of the annulus 82. The web 83 of annulus 82 is further provided with a central opening 86.

The outer shell-like structure 60 is affixed to the inner truss-like framework 61 in the following manner starting at the top of the framework. A segment of the shelllike structure, such as twelve structural building blocks or modules 7 secured together by means of the rosettes 20 and hub clusters 24, is hoisted into position over the inner framework 61 and secured thereto by being fastened to the various annuli 82, which will be located at alternate vertex points A on the outer shell-like structure 60.

As the segments of the shell-like structure are fitted into place, each alternate rosette will come to rest upon a separate annulus 82. After openings 43 in the rosette 20 and 86 in the annulus are aligned and a bolt thrust therethrough, the segments of the outer shell-like structure will be anchored in place. As each segment of the shell-like outer structure is anchored to the inner truss-like framework, the segments of course will also be secured to each other where necessary, in the manner previously described in connection with the building set forth in my copending application, until the outer shell-like structure is completed and anchored to the ground in the manner previously described.

It should be noted that rosettes 20, as indicated in my copendin'g application, are made in such a fashion that they may be provided with an annular reinforcing flange portion 88 and tapering reinforcing radial flange portions 89 on the spoke-like segments 42. Flange portion 88 of rosette 2.0 advantageously rests on the outer wall 85 of an annulus 82.

It is to be further observed that the various joint arrangements used with the truss-like framework 61 may also be used with but slight modifications, if at all, in the case of where the framework is disposed on the outside of a building, such as in FIGURES 1-6, and particularly where the frame elements 2 are replaced by the frame elements or units 62 of FlGURES 7-11.

Finally, in the case of where the truss-like framework 61 is located on the inside of the building and the shelllike structure 60 on the outside, the completed structure can be considered as two fully integrated or interconnected three-dimensional space trusses so disposed with respect to each other that loads will be efliciently transferred from one to another at alternate vertex points A, where the various groups of frame elements '63- and the sub-assemblies of tetrahedronal structural units 7 have common convergence points.

All of the components making up the novel structures of the instant invention, including panels 7' and struts 12, may be advantageously made of light metals such as aluminum. In all cases, the structure will be exceptionally strong, easily fabricated and of light weight.

It will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the described invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and that th invention is limited only as defined in the following claims wherein What is claimed is:

I. A building structure comprising in combination a shell-like structure fabricated from a plurality of tetrahedronal-like structural units, each of said units comprising a four-cornered shape, certain integral portions f each shape forming part of the covering for the shelllike structure and other integral portions of the shape forming part of the framing for the shell-like structure, each shape being bowed such that two corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of said shape, a strut member extending across said hape and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, said units being connected in a regular geometric pattern such that a load-transferring frame made up of a series of regular polygons is formed by said strut members; and a reinforcing spider-like involute framework interconnected with said shell-like structure, said framework including a plurality of frame elements, certain ones of which are arranged in the form of regular polygons which are disposed in spaced relationship to the polygons formed by the said strut members of said structural units, and means interconnecting said frame elements with said structural units at predetermined spaced points on the shell-like structure.

2. A building structure of the type set forth in claim 1 wherein the said strut members and said frame elements are disposed along great circle arcs.

3. A building structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the framework is disposed on the outside of said shelllike structure.

4. A building structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the framework is disposed on the inside of said shelllike structure.

5. A building structure comprising in combination a shell-like structure fabricated from a plurality of tetrahedronal-like structural units so disposed with respect to each other as to form a three-dimensional space truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet metal panel, certain integral portions of each panel forming part of the covering for the shell-like structure and other integral portions of the panel forming part of the framing of the shell-like structure, each panel being bowed about an axis dividing said panel diagonally such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the panel, a strut member extending across the panel and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, said strut member constituting a portion of a load-transferring frame for said shelllike structure, means anchoring contiguous panels to each other to form a fixed geometric pattern; and a reinforcing framework in the form of a three-dimensional space truss interconnected with said shell-like structure, said framework comprising a first series of frame elements arranged in a geometric pattern of regular polygons disposed in spaced relationship to said units and a second series of frame elements interconnecting said first series of frame elements with said structural units, said second series of frame elements comprising successive groups of converging frame elements secured to said shell-like structure at points thereon where said structural units also converge.

6. A building structure as set forth in claim 5 wherein the framework is disposed on the inside of said shelllike structure.

7. A building structure as set forth in claim 5 wherein the framework is disposed on the outside of said shelllike structure.

8. A building structure as set forth in claim 5 wherein one of said series of frame elements comprises ladderlike members.

9. A building structure comprising in combination a shell-like structure fabricated from a plurality of tetrahedronal-like structural units so constructed and disposed with respect to each other as to form a three-dimensional space truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet, certain integral portions of each sheet forming part of the covering for the shell-like structure and other integral portions of the sheet forming part of the framing for the shell-like structure, each of said sheets being bowed about an axis coinciding with a diagonal center line of the sheet such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the sheet, a strut member extending across thesheet and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, said strut member constituting a portion of a load-transferring frame for said shell-like structure, means anchoring contiguous panels together in a fixed geometrical pattern; and a spider-like involute three-dimensional space truss framework interconnected with said shell-like structure, said framework comprising a first series of frame elements arranged in a geometric pattern of regular polygons and a second series of frame elements disposed between and interconnecting said structural units with said first series of frame elements at predetermined spaced points on said shell-like structure, said spaced points comprising points of convergence of the diagonal center lines of certain of the structural units making up said shelllike structure, and means connecting said first and second 9 series of frame elements together at their points of convergence.

10. A building structure as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second series of frame elements and said structural units are interconnected with each other at common convergence points on the building structure between said second series of frame elements as well as certain of said structural units.

11. A spherical building structure comprising in combination a shell-like structure fabricated from a plurality of tetrahedronal-like structural units so constructed and disposed with respect to each other as to form a threedimensional space truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet, certain integral portions of each sheet forming part of the covering for the shell-like structure and other integral portions of the sheet forming part of the framing for the shell-like structure, each of said sheets, being bowed on an axis coinciding with a diagonal center line of the sheet such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the sheet, a strut extending across the sheet and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, said strut comprising a portion of a load-transferring frame for said shell-like structure, means anchoring contiguous sheets together in a fixed geometrical pattern such that the struts form regular polygons; and a reinforcing three-dimensional involute space truss framework interconnected with said shell-like structure, said framework including a first series of frame members arranged in a regular pattern of reoccurring polygons similar in configuration to said first-mentioned polygons and means including a second series of frame members interposed between and connecting said first series of frame members with said structural units at predetermined spaced points on said shell-like structure.

12. A spherical building as set forth in claim 11 wherein said shell-like structure is disposed on the outside of said framework.

13. A spherical building as set forth in claim 11 wherein said shell-like structure is disposed on the inside of said framework.

14. A building structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said struts and the frame members of said first and second mentioned series of frame members are all generally arranged along great circle arcs.

15. A building structure comprising in combination a shell-like structure assembled from a plurality of tetrahedronal-like structural units so constructed and disposed with respect to e ch other as to form a three-dimensional space truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered diamond shaped sheet, said sheet being bowed about an axis coinciding with the long diagonal center line of the said sheet such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of said sheet, a strut extending across the sheet and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, said strut comprising a portion of a load-transferring frame for said shell-like structure, means reinforcing the margins of said sheet intermediate the corners thereof, means anchoring contiguous sheets together in a fixed geometrical pattern, the contiguous reinforced margins of any two contiguous panels combining to form a structural frame element aligned with the strut of another unit in the said three-dimensional space truss, the diagonal center line of each sheet which constitutes the axis about which the sheet is bowed also serving as a structural element in the said truss; and a second space truss assembled from a network of frame members interconnected with said first-mentioned space truss, said network comprising a first series of frame members arranged in a regular geometric pattern of reoccurring polygons and a second series of frame members disposed intermediate of and interconnecting said first series of frame members with the structural units of said first-mentioned space truss, said secondmentioned series of frame members converging at points on the building structure coinciding with the points of convergence of certain of said structural units in said first-mentioned space truss whereby said second series of frame members generally constitute continuations of the diagonal lines of certain of said structural units, means connecting said first-mentioned series of frame members with said second-mentioned series of frame members at their points of convergence and means connecting certain of said structural units with said secondmentioned frame members at their points of convergence.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 169,101 Gruwe Oct. 26, 1875 2,433,677 Thomas Dec. 30, 1947 2,505,343 Stolz Apr. 25, 1950 2,682,235 Fuller June 29, 1954 2,709,975 Parker June 7, 1955 2,711,181 Woods June 21, 1955 2,918,992 Gelsavag e Dec. 29, 1959 

